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Ghostly Bugles: A Novel of the Alamo
Do the souls of the dead reach out from beyond the grave? Do echoes of the past resound through the ages? Are such insights a privilege or a curse? An old man grapples with these questions and his own mortality as he re-examines one of the most famous battles in history - the Alamo. The 1836 siege and battle as well as current efforts to restore Alamo Plaza to hallowed ground and create a world-class attraction unfold as the old man tries to make sense of his memories, dreams, and perceived outreach by the dead whose souls cry out to him for inclusion and recognition. Beyond the myth and the legend are their stories as well as his own. Ghostly Bugles is a fictional re-creation of the Alamo story, rich in historical detail with a unique paranormal element. The narrative combines elements of the traditional storyline with contemporary efforts to "Re-imagine the Alamo". The dual timelines balance our understanding of this world- renowned event and provide new perspective and appreciation for the courage and sacrifice of everyone involved - Texian and Tejano defenders, and Mexican soldiers.
210 pages, Paperback
Published February 23, 2023
1 person is currently reading
14 people want to read
About the author
Max L. Knight
4 books15 followersMax Knight was born in Panama and grew up in the Canal Zone and in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1973 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. A Distinguished Military Graduate, he was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army and served twenty-four years in the Air Defense Artillery retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In addition to assignments within his basic branch, Max also specialized as a Foreign Area Officer in both the European Theatre of Operations (Germany and Greece) and within USSOUTHCOM (Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador). He received the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service in El Salvador during that country’s civil war. Max earned his Master’s degree in Government from Campbell University, and retired from the Army in 1997.
Upon retirement Max was hired by RCI Technologies in San Antonio and became its Director of Internal Operations. He also was the first volunteer docent at the Alamo working within its Education Department. However, following the tragic events of 9/11, he became an Independent Contractor and spent the next ten years as a Counterintelligence Specialist in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Central America before cancer forced him to quit.
Max has since published a memoir, Silver Taps, and a novel of westward expansion, Palo Duro. He resides in San Antonio with his wife, Janet “Gray.” They have three surviving children; Lisa, Brian, and Sean, and three grandchildren; Tony, Nicholas and Cecilia Marie.
In addition to assignments within his basic branch, Max also specialized as a Foreign Area Officer in both the European Theatre of Operations (Germany and Greece) and within USSOUTHCOM (Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador). He received the Defense Superior Service Medal for his service in El Salvador during that country’s civil war. Max earned his Master’s degree in Government from Campbell University, and retired from the Army in 1997.
Upon retirement Max was hired by RCI Technologies in San Antonio and became its Director of Internal Operations. He also was the first volunteer docent at the Alamo working within its Education Department. However, following the tragic events of 9/11, he became an Independent Contractor and spent the next ten years as a Counterintelligence Specialist in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Central America before cancer forced him to quit.
Max has since published a memoir, Silver Taps, and a novel of westward expansion, Palo Duro. He resides in San Antonio with his wife, Janet “Gray.” They have three surviving children; Lisa, Brian, and Sean, and three grandchildren; Tony, Nicholas and Cecilia Marie.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 17, 2023
Ghostly Bugles is a stunning and very personal look into what it may have been like both inside and outside the walls of the Alamo during those fateful days in 1836. After all that’s been written about that battle over the last 150 years, it would be natural to assume that no fresh perspectives could be found. I think this author indeed found a new perspective!
The story—which is fictional but based on actual events—is told primarily through the eyes (and mind) of an old man in present day San Antonio. The author did not provide a name for this sole character, but I think that adds to the mystique of the story. Since he was a young boy he’s been drawn to the Alamo. As he aged and spent more time on that hallowed ground, he began to hear from both the combatants and non-combatants in his dreams; sometimes he would even experience a presence of them when he was on those grounds. Through those dreams and experiences, the reader can glean tremendous insight into what they could have thought and felt and said during the siege.
There are so many things I really like about this story that I don’t really know where to start. I think I’ll start with the facts.
Author Max Knight clearly did some tremendous research in developing this story. Not only did the story include specifics from the battle, but it also included contemporary preservation actions and varying viewpoints. For example, the author included his opinion on current assertions that slavery was the main cause of the battle. I doubt that’s something the average visitor to the Alamo would know anything about.
Something else the author discussed was what if Texas did not free itself from Mexican dominance. If that were the case, history would probably remember the defenders that died at the Alamo as renegades and the Mexican soldiers would be the heroes, quashing an insurrection. There’s a lot to think about in this book.
Using the old man to tell much of the story was a great vehicle for only including the relevant bits and pieces from the battle. For instance, rather than having to provide details over the entire battle, as would be the case if the entire story took place during the siege, the author could select specific moments that he wanted to highlight. I think many of those moments are the points of entry for the fictional side of the story, but they all seem reasonably likely the way the author tells it.
Those moments when the old man recounts some of his dreams really drew me into this story. These snippets of fiction are very personal and relate to specific thoughts and feelings of people on both sides of the Alamo walls. One such person is a very young bugler in the Mexican army. (No - that’s not where the title comes from.) Another such person is a defender who volunteered to hide outside the walls and give the alarm when the Mexican forces attack. Another such person is a follower of James Bowie, who leaves Bowie’s side and tries to escape as the Mexican forces pour into the Alamo. Although these people are likely imaginary (Bowie is not imaginary), those snippets provided some perspective to what it may have been like.
I think my only negative about the book is that it didn’t have any illustrations or photos. I think a map of the Alamo grounds at the time of the battle, as well as an overhead photo of the current grounds, would have given me even greater perspective. I know that maps of the Alamo are pretty easy to find, but I doubt they would include some of the specifics that the author highlights.
As a bonus, I think the author did a fabulous job of presenting his interpretation of spiritual life after death. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I liked it very much.
This book is a must-read for all Texans, as well as anyone who considers the Alamo to be hallowed ground. I think my mind will be churning on this story for a long time to come.
The story—which is fictional but based on actual events—is told primarily through the eyes (and mind) of an old man in present day San Antonio. The author did not provide a name for this sole character, but I think that adds to the mystique of the story. Since he was a young boy he’s been drawn to the Alamo. As he aged and spent more time on that hallowed ground, he began to hear from both the combatants and non-combatants in his dreams; sometimes he would even experience a presence of them when he was on those grounds. Through those dreams and experiences, the reader can glean tremendous insight into what they could have thought and felt and said during the siege.
There are so many things I really like about this story that I don’t really know where to start. I think I’ll start with the facts.
Author Max Knight clearly did some tremendous research in developing this story. Not only did the story include specifics from the battle, but it also included contemporary preservation actions and varying viewpoints. For example, the author included his opinion on current assertions that slavery was the main cause of the battle. I doubt that’s something the average visitor to the Alamo would know anything about.
Something else the author discussed was what if Texas did not free itself from Mexican dominance. If that were the case, history would probably remember the defenders that died at the Alamo as renegades and the Mexican soldiers would be the heroes, quashing an insurrection. There’s a lot to think about in this book.
Using the old man to tell much of the story was a great vehicle for only including the relevant bits and pieces from the battle. For instance, rather than having to provide details over the entire battle, as would be the case if the entire story took place during the siege, the author could select specific moments that he wanted to highlight. I think many of those moments are the points of entry for the fictional side of the story, but they all seem reasonably likely the way the author tells it.
Those moments when the old man recounts some of his dreams really drew me into this story. These snippets of fiction are very personal and relate to specific thoughts and feelings of people on both sides of the Alamo walls. One such person is a very young bugler in the Mexican army. (No - that’s not where the title comes from.) Another such person is a defender who volunteered to hide outside the walls and give the alarm when the Mexican forces attack. Another such person is a follower of James Bowie, who leaves Bowie’s side and tries to escape as the Mexican forces pour into the Alamo. Although these people are likely imaginary (Bowie is not imaginary), those snippets provided some perspective to what it may have been like.
I think my only negative about the book is that it didn’t have any illustrations or photos. I think a map of the Alamo grounds at the time of the battle, as well as an overhead photo of the current grounds, would have given me even greater perspective. I know that maps of the Alamo are pretty easy to find, but I doubt they would include some of the specifics that the author highlights.
As a bonus, I think the author did a fabulous job of presenting his interpretation of spiritual life after death. I’ve never read anything quite like it, and I liked it very much.
This book is a must-read for all Texans, as well as anyone who considers the Alamo to be hallowed ground. I think my mind will be churning on this story for a long time to come.
May 15, 2023
HALL WAYS REVIEW: 4.5 STARS. The structure and premise of Ghostly Bugles, written by San Antonio author Max L. Knight, are compelling. Readers are introduced to the main character, identified only as “the old man,” and are then immersed and held captive in his thoughts.
“The Alamo was and always would be personal for him.”
The old man has admittedly been fascinated with the Alamo since he was a young boy and has never lost interest, so his vast knowledge is believable and for this Texan, even enviable. Via the old man’s ruminations, we get not only a factual history of the site and restoration of the Alamo, but also a nostalgic history of San Antonio and its bygone days. However, it’s by way of the old man’s dreams that readers are transported into the stories of the people on either side of the walls of the Alamo.
“He intimately sensed the presence of the souls of the deceased; he envisioned the circumstances under which they lived and died, even felt their pain at the moment of their demise. Rather than dispel these ghosts, he reached out to them.”
With the old man’s visions sometimes having him “soaring over,” events, the story is able to be told from an omniscient point of view. The chapters alternate between the here & now of the old man’s observations and the then & there of the days leading up to, through, and after the Battle of the Alamo. It’s established early on that whatever’s unfolding on the pages is known to the old man, be it from his book knowledge or from the voices of the dead. But there’s also a layer of added information that goes beyond the characters’ experiences. In Ghostly Bugles, it’s Knight’s next-level attention to detail that engrosses, fascinates, and chills the reader.
I have never professed to be a student of history, and even as a Texan, I only recall the big picture of the Alamo and minimal details learned in school, so many years ago. Reading Ghostly Bugles is eye-opening because it shares not only the stories of the Texians, but also of the Tejanos and Mexicans who fought. One of the things Knight does well is to provide a wider lens, and he puts the battle in a context I hadn’t thought of before: the soldiers of the Mexican Army were fighting for their homeland and trying to put down an insurrection within. *Texan mind blown by the obvious*
“It was cruel psychological warfare.”
The level of detail in Ghostly Bugles is mind-boggling, which is a nod to the author’s research and clear expertise in the subject of soldiering. Specifics of munitions are provided down to the finest detail, but so are the horrible consequences of the trek to the battle lines, living in unhealthy conditions, and of course, the gruesome deaths. To Knight’s credit: he doesn’t glamorize a thing, nor does he downplay the flaws of the leaders on both sides. Travis and Bowie are slave owners; David Crockett struggles with his alter-ego, Davy; Santa Anna is a sexual predator.
Once again, Max Knight educates and entertains his readers through historical fiction, and leaves us with much to consider, not only from the story pages but from his Afterword and even acknowledgments (thank you). Ghostly Bugles feels thoroughly authentic, and I’m glad I read it.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
“The Alamo was and always would be personal for him.”
The old man has admittedly been fascinated with the Alamo since he was a young boy and has never lost interest, so his vast knowledge is believable and for this Texan, even enviable. Via the old man’s ruminations, we get not only a factual history of the site and restoration of the Alamo, but also a nostalgic history of San Antonio and its bygone days. However, it’s by way of the old man’s dreams that readers are transported into the stories of the people on either side of the walls of the Alamo.
“He intimately sensed the presence of the souls of the deceased; he envisioned the circumstances under which they lived and died, even felt their pain at the moment of their demise. Rather than dispel these ghosts, he reached out to them.”
With the old man’s visions sometimes having him “soaring over,” events, the story is able to be told from an omniscient point of view. The chapters alternate between the here & now of the old man’s observations and the then & there of the days leading up to, through, and after the Battle of the Alamo. It’s established early on that whatever’s unfolding on the pages is known to the old man, be it from his book knowledge or from the voices of the dead. But there’s also a layer of added information that goes beyond the characters’ experiences. In Ghostly Bugles, it’s Knight’s next-level attention to detail that engrosses, fascinates, and chills the reader.
I have never professed to be a student of history, and even as a Texan, I only recall the big picture of the Alamo and minimal details learned in school, so many years ago. Reading Ghostly Bugles is eye-opening because it shares not only the stories of the Texians, but also of the Tejanos and Mexicans who fought. One of the things Knight does well is to provide a wider lens, and he puts the battle in a context I hadn’t thought of before: the soldiers of the Mexican Army were fighting for their homeland and trying to put down an insurrection within. *Texan mind blown by the obvious*
“It was cruel psychological warfare.”
The level of detail in Ghostly Bugles is mind-boggling, which is a nod to the author’s research and clear expertise in the subject of soldiering. Specifics of munitions are provided down to the finest detail, but so are the horrible consequences of the trek to the battle lines, living in unhealthy conditions, and of course, the gruesome deaths. To Knight’s credit: he doesn’t glamorize a thing, nor does he downplay the flaws of the leaders on both sides. Travis and Bowie are slave owners; David Crockett struggles with his alter-ego, Davy; Santa Anna is a sexual predator.
Once again, Max Knight educates and entertains his readers through historical fiction, and leaves us with much to consider, not only from the story pages but from his Afterword and even acknowledgments (thank you). Ghostly Bugles feels thoroughly authentic, and I’m glad I read it.
This full review and more special features on Hall Ways Blog.
May 23, 2023
"The fall of the Alamo is remembered today because of its symbolism as a touchstone of courage and sacrifice in the name of freedom"
Ghostly Bugles by Max L. Knight is a unique look at the Battle of the Alamo in the context of both 1836 and today. History has a way of swaying in the winds of perception, recollection, and the shifting cultural atmosphere. One thing that never changes is the ongoing fascination in the Alamo for so many, whether you are Texas born and bred, a student of Texas history, or simply a tourist looking for things to do in the dynamic Alamo City (or River City if you prefer).
Max L. Knight has fashioned a fresh look at the events of that long-ago Battle of the Alamo through the eyes, dreams, and perhaps even memories of an elderly stranger, simply called the old man, in the current city of San Antonio de Béxar. This man spends the day eating lunch on the River Walk, reflecting on the Alamo and nearby areas, contemplating the events in 1836, and ruminating on the discoveries at and near the famous mission over the years. This story is an interesting mix of fact and fiction, views and perceptions, and mystery and wonder. With so many movies and reenactments of the historical battle, separating fact from fiction and poetic license can be difficult. Through comprehensive research and personal experience as an Alamo docent, Knight succinctly takes the reader on a singular, solitary journey that just might elicit new or renewed interest to Remember the Alamo!
If you grew up in Texas, like I did in San Antonio, you attended Texas History class in middle school; sang Texas songs, such as the mournful Ballad of the Alamo, in elementary school; went on a field trip to the Alamo; and will never get tired of taking or directing visitors to see the Alamo. For many, the Alamo is an interesting yet unimposing building surrounded by much bigger buildings, shops, and tourist traps. The Alamo is a place to buy a t-shirt and say you’ve been there. In Ghostly Bugles, Knight shows us that the Alamo is hallowed ground and that the important battle should be remembered as one that was fought for an impossible number of days so that the bigger war could be won. Knight also presents both sides of the battle as worthy of study and remembrance.
Rather than focusing only on the past events and possible dialogue between characters, Knight continually brings the reader back to the present as the old man internally reflects on the Alamo of today and the Alamo in 1836, when many brave men fought a larger, more advanced adversary, knowing death was a matter of when and not if.
Even if you visited the Alamo and/or studied its rich history in the past, your edification is incomplete. Max L. Knight, through the old man in Ghostly Bugles, reminds us that the Alamo will always remain a dynamic historical landmark: Exhibits go on display (sometimes briefly), reenactments occur, statues are erected, and artifacts are unearthed. As with all history lessons and portrayals of the Alamo, long after the cannon smoke cleared and the bugles were silenced, the storytelling will never be truly finished.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
Ghostly Bugles by Max L. Knight is a unique look at the Battle of the Alamo in the context of both 1836 and today. History has a way of swaying in the winds of perception, recollection, and the shifting cultural atmosphere. One thing that never changes is the ongoing fascination in the Alamo for so many, whether you are Texas born and bred, a student of Texas history, or simply a tourist looking for things to do in the dynamic Alamo City (or River City if you prefer).
Max L. Knight has fashioned a fresh look at the events of that long-ago Battle of the Alamo through the eyes, dreams, and perhaps even memories of an elderly stranger, simply called the old man, in the current city of San Antonio de Béxar. This man spends the day eating lunch on the River Walk, reflecting on the Alamo and nearby areas, contemplating the events in 1836, and ruminating on the discoveries at and near the famous mission over the years. This story is an interesting mix of fact and fiction, views and perceptions, and mystery and wonder. With so many movies and reenactments of the historical battle, separating fact from fiction and poetic license can be difficult. Through comprehensive research and personal experience as an Alamo docent, Knight succinctly takes the reader on a singular, solitary journey that just might elicit new or renewed interest to Remember the Alamo!
If you grew up in Texas, like I did in San Antonio, you attended Texas History class in middle school; sang Texas songs, such as the mournful Ballad of the Alamo, in elementary school; went on a field trip to the Alamo; and will never get tired of taking or directing visitors to see the Alamo. For many, the Alamo is an interesting yet unimposing building surrounded by much bigger buildings, shops, and tourist traps. The Alamo is a place to buy a t-shirt and say you’ve been there. In Ghostly Bugles, Knight shows us that the Alamo is hallowed ground and that the important battle should be remembered as one that was fought for an impossible number of days so that the bigger war could be won. Knight also presents both sides of the battle as worthy of study and remembrance.
Rather than focusing only on the past events and possible dialogue between characters, Knight continually brings the reader back to the present as the old man internally reflects on the Alamo of today and the Alamo in 1836, when many brave men fought a larger, more advanced adversary, knowing death was a matter of when and not if.
Even if you visited the Alamo and/or studied its rich history in the past, your edification is incomplete. Max L. Knight, through the old man in Ghostly Bugles, reminds us that the Alamo will always remain a dynamic historical landmark: Exhibits go on display (sometimes briefly), reenactments occur, statues are erected, and artifacts are unearthed. As with all history lessons and portrayals of the Alamo, long after the cannon smoke cleared and the bugles were silenced, the storytelling will never be truly finished.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
May 15, 2023
Regardless of where you attend school in the United States, everyone learns about the famed Battle of the Alamo. I went to school in New Mexico, and it was in our history textbooks. But the account shared in this book from Mr. Knight gives an insider's view of the events leading up to, during, and after the battle that took so many lives but changed the course of history.
Told through the POV of a character simply known as The Old Man, the author gives the reader insight into not only the events but the emotions surrounding hard decisions that had to be made by the leaders, Travis, Crockett, and Bowie.
The Old Man has dreams, sees visions, and knows things he shouldn't know in modern-day times about what really happened during this thirteen-day siege that changed the history of Texas forever.
Could it be that he was there? From the detailed accounts, my vote goes that way, but I am a believer in past lives and reincarnation, so maybe that makes it easier for me to embrace the idea.
This message from the author is so profoundly enlightening:
"History is not static. The same interpretation or conceptualization of individuals and events doesn't pass the test of time. Our thoughts on a topic or person and our understanding of them change as we evolve as a society."
In this book, the author lets us see the flaws of each of the leaders. He also showed us the conflicts they faced amongst themselves. While Bowie faced declining health, Crockett and Travis were often at odds over defense tactics. Crockett attempted to keep the morale among the troops. He'd aligned himself with Texas and brought Tennessee volunteers with him. Travis, a well-learned orator, had political aspirations. And Bowie was a famous hunter, most well-known for the Bowie knife.
The Mexican President, Santa Anna was perhaps the most flawed, as his heartless cruelty shown toward the handful of survivors of the battle verifies.
A story that tugged at my heartstrings was that of a young boy with a bugle, innocently tending a herd of goats when Santa Anna forced him to join his army. And for the simple reason that he had a bugle. It didn't matter that the boy couldn't play a single note. The Mexican president needed bugles to sound when he gave the order to advance.
Throughout the recount of this siege, this author lets us see behind the scenes. He gives us a glimpse of what truly happened. Then, the efforts to restore and preserve the Alamo are also highlighted.
At the end of the book, the author reveals that he was the first docent at the Alamo when that program was established over twenty years ago. If you are a history buff, regardless of whether you are a Texan, you will enjoy this author's detailed account of the famed Battle of the Alamo. It is well-written and easy to follow.
Told through the POV of a character simply known as The Old Man, the author gives the reader insight into not only the events but the emotions surrounding hard decisions that had to be made by the leaders, Travis, Crockett, and Bowie.
The Old Man has dreams, sees visions, and knows things he shouldn't know in modern-day times about what really happened during this thirteen-day siege that changed the history of Texas forever.
Could it be that he was there? From the detailed accounts, my vote goes that way, but I am a believer in past lives and reincarnation, so maybe that makes it easier for me to embrace the idea.
This message from the author is so profoundly enlightening:
"History is not static. The same interpretation or conceptualization of individuals and events doesn't pass the test of time. Our thoughts on a topic or person and our understanding of them change as we evolve as a society."
In this book, the author lets us see the flaws of each of the leaders. He also showed us the conflicts they faced amongst themselves. While Bowie faced declining health, Crockett and Travis were often at odds over defense tactics. Crockett attempted to keep the morale among the troops. He'd aligned himself with Texas and brought Tennessee volunteers with him. Travis, a well-learned orator, had political aspirations. And Bowie was a famous hunter, most well-known for the Bowie knife.
The Mexican President, Santa Anna was perhaps the most flawed, as his heartless cruelty shown toward the handful of survivors of the battle verifies.
A story that tugged at my heartstrings was that of a young boy with a bugle, innocently tending a herd of goats when Santa Anna forced him to join his army. And for the simple reason that he had a bugle. It didn't matter that the boy couldn't play a single note. The Mexican president needed bugles to sound when he gave the order to advance.
Throughout the recount of this siege, this author lets us see behind the scenes. He gives us a glimpse of what truly happened. Then, the efforts to restore and preserve the Alamo are also highlighted.
At the end of the book, the author reveals that he was the first docent at the Alamo when that program was established over twenty years ago. If you are a history buff, regardless of whether you are a Texan, you will enjoy this author's detailed account of the famed Battle of the Alamo. It is well-written and easy to follow.
May 16, 2023
The first thing that struck me about Max L. Knight’s latest historical novel, Ghostly Bugles, was the language. It’s gorgeous. Every word feels like it was carefully chosen, and the overall effect is that the reader feels immersed in the story – even the grimmer bits, because, this is, after all, the story of the Battle of the Alamo, and there is no small amount of discussion of dead bodies and battle victims, though, it should be said, there is no glorification of death in this story.
This novel is far more than that, however. It’s a deep exploration into people that are just names in history books for most of us: Santa Anna, Bowie, Crockett, Travis, the thirteen-day siege that was a defining moment in Texas history, the 90-minute battle, the aftermath, and the way it all echoes into modern times, including current restoration and development efforts.
Fictionalizing a real event requires great knowledge and great craft, and in this book, author Knight displays both. He uses a contemporary character known only as The Old Man to ground the story in the here and now, and we are left wondering if he is dreaming or actually remembering the events of 187 years ago, and the people involved.
Aside from the brilliant use of language, what I really liked is that Knight turned these historical figures into dimensional people. I did NOT grow up in Texas (though I ultimately lived there longer than anywhere else) so I don’t recall a lot of time spent on the Alamo in my history classes, but it was certainly mentioned, especially in California, which also shares a border with Mexico. So it was only in this book that I learned of Bowie’s failing health, or that Crockett and Travis were at odds with each other, and had supporting factions who were equally so. I also hadn’t realized that Travis was known for his oration skills. It’s this humanization of legends that really made this story sing for me.
Or maybe it wasn’t singing, but the sound of the eponymous ghostly bugles. As someone who has a visceral reaction to the sound of “Taps,” the title evoked the realities of battle as much as the story it introduced.
Overall, this is a richly descriptive story, fictional, but based in truth. It’s a compelling read, but it also sent me on a hunt for non–fiction accounts that were deeper than what’s in a grade school or high school textbook. I love it when a novel provokes that sort of response in me, and I suspect other readers will, as well.
Goes well with: chicken quesadillas and Shiner bock.
This novel is far more than that, however. It’s a deep exploration into people that are just names in history books for most of us: Santa Anna, Bowie, Crockett, Travis, the thirteen-day siege that was a defining moment in Texas history, the 90-minute battle, the aftermath, and the way it all echoes into modern times, including current restoration and development efforts.
Fictionalizing a real event requires great knowledge and great craft, and in this book, author Knight displays both. He uses a contemporary character known only as The Old Man to ground the story in the here and now, and we are left wondering if he is dreaming or actually remembering the events of 187 years ago, and the people involved.
Aside from the brilliant use of language, what I really liked is that Knight turned these historical figures into dimensional people. I did NOT grow up in Texas (though I ultimately lived there longer than anywhere else) so I don’t recall a lot of time spent on the Alamo in my history classes, but it was certainly mentioned, especially in California, which also shares a border with Mexico. So it was only in this book that I learned of Bowie’s failing health, or that Crockett and Travis were at odds with each other, and had supporting factions who were equally so. I also hadn’t realized that Travis was known for his oration skills. It’s this humanization of legends that really made this story sing for me.
Or maybe it wasn’t singing, but the sound of the eponymous ghostly bugles. As someone who has a visceral reaction to the sound of “Taps,” the title evoked the realities of battle as much as the story it introduced.
Overall, this is a richly descriptive story, fictional, but based in truth. It’s a compelling read, but it also sent me on a hunt for non–fiction accounts that were deeper than what’s in a grade school or high school textbook. I love it when a novel provokes that sort of response in me, and I suspect other readers will, as well.
Goes well with: chicken quesadillas and Shiner bock.
May 22, 2023
We need books that help to remind us of our history. History that has not been altered or changed to match the current political atmosphere. We need authors who create a story so compelling that it makes you think about the history you were taught in a whole different light. We need those stories that make us more empathic to our history. Because without our history we simply would not be where we are today.
Ghostly Bugles by author Max Knight is this and so much more. It is so well-written you forget you are reading a fictionalized history, yet are you? If anything, what history and historians teach us is by researching in depth any segment of our history there are always new things to learn about our past. Max is an incredible storyteller.
Ghostly Bugles reads like a journal diary of the men who defended the Alamo and of the men who were attacking the mission. Interwoven is the story of an old man whose dreams are haunted by ghosts of both sides and one particular ghost in this famous battle.
For those not familiar with San Antonio or The Alamo area, the only thing lacking in this book is a historical map or overview photos in the book to place everything in a better perspective.
I have visited The Alamo three times, as well as been taught the history of its importance to Texas history. For some reason after reading Ghostly Bugles, I really want to back to the Alamo and see the site in a whole new light. Thanks, Max!
If you love Texas history, even if it is a bit fictionalized, then Ghostly Bugles truly needs to be on your TBR list. It will not disappoint and maybe, just maybe it will give you the inspiration to catch up on the latest research on the Alamo, as well as its future preservation.
Ghostly Bugles by author Max Knight is this and so much more. It is so well-written you forget you are reading a fictionalized history, yet are you? If anything, what history and historians teach us is by researching in depth any segment of our history there are always new things to learn about our past. Max is an incredible storyteller.
Ghostly Bugles reads like a journal diary of the men who defended the Alamo and of the men who were attacking the mission. Interwoven is the story of an old man whose dreams are haunted by ghosts of both sides and one particular ghost in this famous battle.
For those not familiar with San Antonio or The Alamo area, the only thing lacking in this book is a historical map or overview photos in the book to place everything in a better perspective.
I have visited The Alamo three times, as well as been taught the history of its importance to Texas history. For some reason after reading Ghostly Bugles, I really want to back to the Alamo and see the site in a whole new light. Thanks, Max!
If you love Texas history, even if it is a bit fictionalized, then Ghostly Bugles truly needs to be on your TBR list. It will not disappoint and maybe, just maybe it will give you the inspiration to catch up on the latest research on the Alamo, as well as its future preservation.
May 16, 2023
Emotional, inspirational, and riveting!
Ghostly Bugles, the latest historical fiction novel by author Max L. Knight, is a very special rendering of the story of the famed battle and subsequent history of the San Antonio landmark, the Alamo. It is at once inspirational, emotion-packed, and chilling as Knight brings to life the days leading up to and immediately following the 13-day siege and 90-minute battle. By vividly associating faces and personalities to participants, many of whom have long gone unappreciated, these events, which occurred 187 years ago, suddenly felt like recent occurrences affecting people I knew.
I enjoyed how the author relayed his story through one present-day man’s personal experience and relationship with the revered site, its mythos, and legends. He offers a broader perspective of the combatants’ motivations from both sides of the conflict. He still genuinely honors fondly-remembered pop cultural assumptions and Hollywood’s crafted vision of the events for the big and small screens. Additionally, the narrative helpfully anchors the siege and battle in the timeline of the overall fight for Texas’s independence from Mexico and escape from the dictatorial grip of Santa Anna.I highly recommend GHOSTLY BUGLES to readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially those interested in the stories and history of the Alamo.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.
May 19, 2023
Review: Ghostly Bugles
5/16/20231 Comment
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I never thought about it when I was younger, but it's very true that, at some point in your schooling, you will learn a bit more than the usual about the Battle of the Alamo as a Texas student. It can be very easy to have names and events blend and blur together when you are a young student.
But no worries if you're not a Texan or if your memory is lacking (like mine!), Max L. Knight has done a fantastic job portraying much of that battle, including what led up to it and the aftermath, in his newest historical fiction book, Ghostly Bugles. By using the mysterious character of The Old Man, Knight gives us an understanding of what was during that time of the Battle of the Alamo. He does so by portraying visions and dreams The Old Man has - which in itself is a great way of portraying the emotions of the time to the reader.
Ghostly Bugles is very well researched and it is clear that Knight knows what he's talking about. He's also able to "show" the reader the workings of history through this fictional character - it's truly a great way to learn and gain curiosity about history!
This book is definitely a must read for history buffs, but specifically - Texas history-buffs. The writing is detailed and grabs your attention until the very last page.
5/16/20231 Comment
Picture
Picture
CLICK TO PURCHASE
Amazon│Wild Lark Books
Picture
I never thought about it when I was younger, but it's very true that, at some point in your schooling, you will learn a bit more than the usual about the Battle of the Alamo as a Texas student. It can be very easy to have names and events blend and blur together when you are a young student.
But no worries if you're not a Texan or if your memory is lacking (like mine!), Max L. Knight has done a fantastic job portraying much of that battle, including what led up to it and the aftermath, in his newest historical fiction book, Ghostly Bugles. By using the mysterious character of The Old Man, Knight gives us an understanding of what was during that time of the Battle of the Alamo. He does so by portraying visions and dreams The Old Man has - which in itself is a great way of portraying the emotions of the time to the reader.
Ghostly Bugles is very well researched and it is clear that Knight knows what he's talking about. He's also able to "show" the reader the workings of history through this fictional character - it's truly a great way to learn and gain curiosity about history!
This book is definitely a must read for history buffs, but specifically - Texas history-buffs. The writing is detailed and grabs your attention until the very last page.
May 16, 2023
A Haunting Story You Will Never Forget!
Many times, we are told you never know what it was like until you walk in their shoes. The old man in this story walked in the shoes of those who were in the Alamo for that thirteen-day siege. Through the old man, you get to feel what people felt, experience their experiences, and get an in-depth look at what it was like for those within the walls of the Alamo, as well as those marching against them for those thirteen days.
Max Knight creates a story from a unique perspective. This is one any history buff would eat up, and if you are not a fan of history, this book may turn you into one. The main character in this story takes you through the myriad of emotions experienced by those in the battle of the Alamo. Knight’s research is evident. Using all five senses, he dives deeper into this story than I have read before. The haunting stories in the Ghostly Bugles will stay with you.
Many times, we are told you never know what it was like until you walk in their shoes. The old man in this story walked in the shoes of those who were in the Alamo for that thirteen-day siege. Through the old man, you get to feel what people felt, experience their experiences, and get an in-depth look at what it was like for those within the walls of the Alamo, as well as those marching against them for those thirteen days.
Max Knight creates a story from a unique perspective. This is one any history buff would eat up, and if you are not a fan of history, this book may turn you into one. The main character in this story takes you through the myriad of emotions experienced by those in the battle of the Alamo. Knight’s research is evident. Using all five senses, he dives deeper into this story than I have read before. The haunting stories in the Ghostly Bugles will stay with you.
May 28, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I like seeing a new perspective on the events, the people who were part of them, and the many divisions of the conflict. I really enjoy the parallel narrative and the topical separation of historic events (ex: famous players in the battle, handling of the battlefield post-battle, seeking reinforcements). This is a fun and interesting read about a major part of Texas history.
August 22, 2023
Received a copy from the author. I usually don't read this type of genre but it was interesting because it was about the Alamo. I have visited here and the Riverwalk and San Antonio. Learned some interesting things about this time period was better than I expected!
November 27, 2023
Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.65.
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